The Springbok Sevens side lost their final pool match of the Tokyo Sevens 38-7 against Samoa and now face a tough route to the final.

South Africa were comprehensively outplayed by the islanders, who scored four tries in the first half to effectively seal the result. They now face England, who beat Fiji, in the Cup quarter-finals. In the other Cup quarter-finals New Zealand play Argentina, Australia face Wales and Samoa tackle Fiji.

Earlier the Blitzboks beat Portugal 12-7. With torrential rain and strong winds lashing the players, handling was difficult and the scoreline is reflective of that. Cornal Hendricks and Branco du Preez scored for the Blitzboks in a display where defence dominated.

In their first pool match they beat Scotland 14-0. Scotland’s cause was seriously compromised when they lost a player to the sin bin in the second minute of the match. Kyle Brown scored shortly thereafter and Hendricks crossed just after the break to seal the result.